COLUMBIA, S.C. — Richard Moore Faces Execution Options as Decision Deadline Approaches
Richard Moore, a death row inmate in South Carolina, has been given a significant decision regarding his upcoming execution. On Tuesday, state prison officials informed Moore that he can choose between three methods of execution: a firing squad, the electric chair, or lethal injection. Moore has until October 18 to make his choice; if he doesn’t decide by then, he will face execution by electrocution.
Background of the Case
Moore, age 59, is on death row for the fatal shooting of a store clerk, James Mahoney, in September 1999 during a robbery attempt at a Spartanburg County store. Initially unarmed, Moore managed to wrestle a gun away from Mahoney during the robbery, which ultimately led to a shootout that resulted in Mahoney’s death from a bullet to the chest. Moore himself was wounded in the incident.
The Unique Circumstances Surrounding Moore’s Case
His execution would be notable for several reasons. According to his legal team, Moore is the only man on South Carolina’s death row convicted by a jury without any African American members. Furthermore, should he be executed, he would be the first person in modern South Carolina history who initially entered a crime scene unarmed but later defended himself when threatened with a weapon.
Execution Methods and Preparations
South Carolina Corrections Director Bryan Stirling confirmed the state is prepared for the execution. The electric chair, built in 1912, was tested in early September and is operational. In addition, the state has acquired the necessary components for a firing squad. Three volunteers have been trained to fire at a specified target from a distance of 15 feet.
Furthermore, recent developments have also seen the lethal injection method becoming available again. After a 13-year hiatus in executions due to a shortage of execution drugs, the state recently reintroduced this method following a new law that allows it to access the required drug. The drug used for lethal injection, pentobarbital, has been confirmed as pure and stable by technicians at the state crime lab, according to a certified letter sent to Moore.
Recent Executions in South Carolina
The execution of Moore would mark just the second execution in South Carolina after a long delay, with the previous execution taking place on September 20, when Freddie Owens was put to death by lethal injection. Before this execution, South Carolina struggled to obtain the drugs necessary for such a method due to a privacy law that limited information available about drug suppliers.
Seeking Clemency
In light of his upcoming execution, Moore plans to appeal to Governor Henry McMaster for mercy, requesting that his sentence be reduced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. However, it is noteworthy that no governor in South Carolina has ever granted clemency in the modern era of the death penalty.
Death Row Statistics
South Carolina has executed 44 inmates since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976, often averaging three executions annually in the early 2000s. Over the years, the population on death row has seen a significant decline. From a peak of 63 condemned inmates in 2011, the current number sits at 31. Many inmates have had their sentences commuted following successful appeals, while others have passed away from natural causes.
